1. Ch. 14 S. 4 The Humanistic Approach
Obj: Explain how the humanistic approach views the role of the self and free choice in shaping behavior.

2. Humanists begin with the assumption that self-awareness is the very core of humanity.
They focus on people’s pursuits of self-fulfillment and ethical conduct.
To humanistic psychologists, people are truly free to do as they choose with their lives. Moreover, because people are free to choose, they are responsible for the choices they make.

3. Abraham Maslow
Maslow believed that humans are separated from lower animals because they recognize their desire to achieve self-actualization – to reach their full potential.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

4. Carl Rogers
Rogers believed that people are to some degree the conscious architects of their own personalities.
People shape their own personalities through free choice and action.

5. Roger’s theory revolves around peoples’ sense of self, therefore is termed self theory.
He placed great emphasis on the human ability to derive a self-concept, a view of oneself as an individual.
It provides the experience of being human in the world and it is the guiding principle behind both personality and behavior.

6. Our self-concepts are made up of our impressions of ourselves.
The key to happiness and healthy adjustment is congruence, or consistency between one's self-concept and one’s experience.
For example, if you consider yourself to be outgoing, this self-concept will be reinforced if you have good relationships.

7. Rogers assumed that we all develop a need for self-esteem, which is belief in oneself, or self-respect.
As children, parents help us develop self-esteem with unconditional positive regard. If there are conditions, children feel they have to earn it.
Humanists believe that we cannot fully live up to the wishes of others and also remain true to ourselves.

8. According to Rogers’s theory, the path to self-actualization requires getting in touch with our genuine feelings and acting on them.
This is the goal of person-centered therapy, Rogers’s method of psychotherapy.